Ueda Castle Ruins - Nagano, Japan
After visiting the Bessho Onsen area, I made a brief stop in Ueda on my return toward Nagano to explore Ueda Castle Ruins. The site is conveniently located within walking distance of Ueda Station, and the approach is gentle, with only a slight uphill section, making it an easy addition to the day’s itinerary.
What was once the castle grounds now functions as a public park, but several key elements remain, including reconstructed towers, original stone walls, and historic gates. Ueda Castle was built in 1583 by the leaders of the Sanada samurai clan, a family renowned for successfully repelling the forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate—twice. Rather than relying solely on imposing walls, the castle’s defences were carefully integrated with the surrounding landscape. Rivers, steep cliffs, waterways, and even the town layout were all deliberately used to strengthen its defensive capabilities.
Walking through the remaining gates, along the cliff edges, and beside the stone walls, it is easy to imagine how formidable the castle must have been at its height. While much of the original structure no longer stands, the scale of the defences and the strategic use of terrain still leave a strong impression.
One of the most interesting features within the castle grounds is Sanada Shrine. Because the Sanada clan famously withstood the Tokugawa Shogunate, Ueda Castle is often referred to as “the castle that never fails.” As a result, the shrine is especially popular with students praying for success in high school and university entrance examinations. Walking through the grounds, I noticed numerous ema—wooden prayer plaques—many bearing messages of hope and determination from students seeking good results.
I spent some time wandering through the park, taking in the remaining towers and stonework before heading back toward the station. Even though much of the castle has been lost to time, Ueda Castle Ruins remain a fascinating stop, offering insight into one of Japan’s most resilient samurai clans and a castle that earned its reputation through history.
History & Background
Ueda Castle (上田城跡) was constructed in 1583 by Sanada Masayuki and played a pivotal role during the Sengoku and early Edo periods. The Sanada clan became legendary for successfully defending the castle against Tokugawa forces in 1600 and again in 1614, a rare feat that solidified their place in Japanese military history.
Following the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the castle was partially dismantled, and much of it was lost over time. Today, the site is preserved as Ueda Castle Ruins Park, combining reconstructed elements with original remains and serving as both a historical landmark and a public green space.
Getting There
Ueda Castle Ruins are accessible from JR Ueda Station, which is served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen and the JR Shinonoi Line, with direct connections from Nagano and Tokyo. From the station, the castle ruins can be reached on foot in approximately 10 to 15 minutes via gently sloping streets.
Route Overview
Distance: 2.68 km out & back (Ueda Station)
Total elevation gain: 18 m
Duration: 38 min (with breaks 42 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Train: Bessho-Onsen Station → Ueda Station — ¥590
